Building Department

Building

• All new structures over 120 square feet including Carports.
• Remodels involving any structural work. (i.e. removing/building walls, installing headers above windows/doors, etc.)
• Installing any form of foundation. (i.e. frost footings, deck posts, etc)
• All foundations must be at least 42� below grade to the bottom of the footing.
• Any foundation constructed must have a minimum footing of 16� wide by 8� thick containing reinforcing that continues to the foundation wall. The foundation wall must be at least 8� thick.
• All siding replacement requires a permit. Siding maintenance such as painting or replacing a board or two does not require a permit, but replacement of anymore than that does require a permit.
• Kitchen and bathroom installations require a permit.
• Roofing replacement, which includes replacing more than 25% of the sheeting material.
• In-ground swimming pools are considered a type of foundation and require a permit. All pools over 24� deep or deeper require a 6� gated fence or wall secured by a locking device.

Electrical

• All fixtures/outlets replaced or installed new including light fixtures.
• Service work including replacement of meter base.
• Circuit breaker panels must be minimum 100 amp and have a minimum of 16 circuit breakers.
• Any electric installed in accessory structures.

Plumbing

• Installation of new fixtures.
• Replacement of any plumbing fixture. (i.e. Toilet, sink, faucet, shower head, hose bib, hot water heater, etc)
• Installation or replacement of any piping. (i.e. water pipe, sewer pipe, etc.)

Moving

• Relocation of any structure over 120 square feet within the city.
• From one location to another within the city.
• From any location within the city to outside city limits.
• From any location outside the city to within city limits.

Demolition

• Any structure over 120 square feet within city limits to be demolished requires a permit.
• Demolition of a portion of a structure to be rebuilt would be included in a building permit.

Fire

• Permits are required for burning of leaves and small brush year round with the exception of October 15th through November 15th. During this time a permit is not required. Contact the Fire Department at 372-6472 for this permit.

Swimming pools

• Although above ground swimming pools do not require a permit, all pools over 24� in depth (to the top rim not current water depth) require:
• 6� fence or wall with a locking gate. The fence or wall cannot be within 5� of the property line or other structure.

Fences

• Although fences do not require a permit, the city does have restrictions on fences within city limits.

New structures

• New structures 120 square feet or less do not require a permit; however they are required to be properly secured to the ground by means of auger stakes or equivalent. Contact your local hardware store for suggestions for materials.

Minor repair work

• Roof replacement does not require a permit unless 25% or more of the structural sheeting is being replaced. Roof layovers are allowed only for up to two layers total. If two layers are on the roof already, these layers must be removed before installation of a new layer.
• Drywall and plaster repair including removal and replacement does not require a permit.

Driveways and Patios

• No permit is required for driveways and patios. However, it is recommended that the owner have the lot located for utilities. If utilities need worked on, the utility companies will not replace any concrete. It will be the owner�s expense to replace.
• All new and newly expanded commercial properties are required to install hard surfacing (concrete or asphalt including curbs and gutters) for any ground used for motor vehicle travel including parking.

• a) Site plan
• b) Address
• c) Owner
• d) Type of construction.
• e) A complete set of plans. (Commercial projects require a set of engineered prints by a licensed architect/engineer.)
• f) Estimated cost of project.
• g) A list of contractors involved.
• h) Estimated start and finish dates.

If all the above is presented, a zoning review and plan review (if commercial) will be completed. After review a permit will be issued if plans and specs pass review process.

• a) Foundation- Once the foundation is dug and forms are set, an inspection must be called for to check for proper depth and footing size as well as proper location and size according to the plans. The footing CANNOT be poured until the foundation passes this inspection.
• b) Rough inspection- This inspection includes rough framing, electrical, plumbing, etc. to insure the structure meets all applicable codes. The interior wall covering CANNOT be installed until the project passes this inspection.
• c) Final Inspection- Once the project is complete; a final inspection MUST BE CALLED FOR AND APPROVED in order to gain occupancy of the finished project. If final inspection is not called for the project will be presumed incomplete. ALL PERMITS REQUIRE A FINAL INSPECTION. After successful completion of the final inspection, commercial projects will receive an occupancy permit. All assembly areas with the capacity to hold 50 occupants or more will also receive a maximum occupancy card to be posted by the main exit.

3) Close out of permit

The following is required to construct a detached garage:

1. Check with the Planning & Zoning Department. concerning location, setbacks, and lot coverage limits.

2. Check with utility companies for location of buried or overhead utilities and regulations (gas, sewer, water, electricity, cable television, & phone).

3. The Building Dept. suggests that the property be surveyed to establish lot lines.

4. Apply for required Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Demolition permits prior to starting work from the Building Department.

• A site plan must be submitted which contains the following:
• a. Address of proposed construction
• b. Property owner
• c. Lot dimensions (in feet)
• d. Location and dimensions of existing buildings
• e. Location of new construction or demolition
• f. Relationship of adjacent streets, alleys, and easements to proposed new construction

5. Required side yard setback is 3 feet from property line. Corner lots - check with Planning Department.

6. Required rear yard setback - five foot (from alley right-of-way), check with Planning Department.

7. Garage walls, which face or are adjacent to other buildings within 10 feet, must be covered with 5/8 Type X sheetrock to the roof rafters or peak of the roof.

8. Residential garages are limited to 1000 square feet maximum, and height of one story (15' to the peak of the roof).

9. Any garage over 1,000 square feet shall have frost footings of 42" depth, under 1,000 feet can be of floating slab construction - Note: Garage slab shall be at least 4" thick with the exterior 12" of slab at least 6" thick (must be reinforced with metal).

10. 1/2" anchor bolts are required minimum 4� spacing, must meet 90 mph wind loads.

11. Sill plates against construction slab must be of approved treated lumber.

12. Garage door headers shall be two 2" X 12" headers for a 16' door span or its equivalent. Spans over 16' require stronger headers.

13. Garage wall studs shall be 2" X 4", spaced 24" or less on center. If 24� on center rafters must land vertically on wall studs.

14. Roof rafters: Minimum 30lb/sf ground snow load & 90mph wind load

• � Designed in accordance with the 2006 International Building Code Rafter Span Table 802.5.1(3),
• � or engineered truss rafters may be substituted.

15. Corner bracing can be constructed of plywood sheathing, 4' X 8' in size, 1" X 4" let-in bracing or approved metal strapping.

16. All electrical wiring shall be installed per National Electrical Code and the City of Fort Madison Electrical Code. Electrical outlets shall be Ground Fault Interrupter protected.

17. An electrical permit shall be obtained by the electrical contractor (or homeowner, if he qualifies), and an electrical inspection is required.

18. Driveway curb cut permits shall be obtained from the Public Works Department (no charge).

Roof and driveway drainage shall not be directed to adjoining properties.